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Southern England is set to swelter this weekend as a heatwave sweeps across the region, with temperatures in London potentially reaching 35C by Monday. The UK Met Office has issued yellow and amber heat alerts for parts of the country, warning of significant health risks, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. The heatwave, described as unusually intense for late June, is expected to persist until Tuesday evening.
The soaring temperatures, driven by hot air from North Africa, are also affecting southern Europe, with countries like Spain, Italy, France, Greece, and Portugal facing extreme heat. In Spain, Seville is forecast to hit 42C on Sunday, prompting emergency services to prepare for a surge in heatstroke cases. "It's always hot in Madrid, but this early in June? It's shocking," said Marina, a 22-year-old resident. In Venice, where celebrities have gathered for the high-profile wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, tourists like Alejandra Echeverria, 40, complained of stifling humidity and sleepless nights. In response, authorities across Europe are taking action. Italian cities, including Rome and Milan, have advised residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours from 11:00 to 18:00. In Marseille, France, municipal swimming pools are free until the heatwave subsides, and some schools may close to protect students. Greece, meanwhile, is battling wildfires near Athens, where flames have destroyed homes and forced evacuations in coastal towns. The Met Office warns that England's heatwave could strain public services, with vulnerable populations most at risk. Scientists from World Weather Attribution note that climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and severe, with June heatwaves now 10 times more likely than in pre-industrial times. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid midday sun, and check on vulnerable neighbours as the region grapples with this early and extreme heat.
